NIDA alumni are showcasing their talents again this July in a range of different series and productions. From a gripping courtroom drama and thrilling new series to innovative theatre adaptations and world premieres, the breadth of NIDA-trained talent is abundant. Whether you’re tuning in to the latest TV releases or heading to the theatre this month, you’ll find NIDA graduates bringing compelling stories to life. Here are some of the fantastic shows and productions to look out for.
Fans of Binge’s The Twelve can rejoice with season two premiering 11 July on Binge. This crime thriller delves into the intricate lives of twelve jurors whose anonymity masks complex personal histories, traumas and prejudices, adding depth to the courtroom drama. The series features an array of talented NIDA alumni, including Kris McQuade (Acting, 1971), Adriano Cappelletta (Acting, 2003), and the late Keith Robinson (Acting, 1981), with Myles Pollard (Acting, 1998) and Caroline Brazier (Acting, 1998) in supporting roles. Directed by Emma Jackson (Acting, 1999) and showcasing the design talents of Ruru Zhu (Design, 2021) behind-the-scenes.
Season one of Paramount’s exciting new drama Fake drops on 4 July. This gripping series features an impressive lineup of NIDA graduates, including Nicholas Brown (Acting, 2000), Heather Mitchell (Acting, 1980), Greg Stone (Acting, 1983), Spencer McLaren (Acting, 1999), and Freya Stafford (Acting, 2000). The series, written by Jessica Tuckwell (Directing, 2007), promises to be a thrilling addition to your July viewing schedule; a cautionary tale about swiping right on the wrong person and what happens when their web of lies begins to unravel.
This Saturday, 6 July, catch Rob Collins (Acting, 2013) as he hosts the NAIDOC Awards on NITV at 7:30 pm. This prestigious event honours the achievements, history, and outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to improve lives. The televised ceremony, held at the annual NAIDOC Ball, highlights the journey and inspirational stories of national winners, celebrating those who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen fields.
On stage this month, Kip Williams (Directing, 2009) brings his adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula to life at Sydney Theatre Company, concluding his legendary Gothic trilogy following The Picture of Dorian Gray and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This riveting production, starring the award-winning Zahra Newman in a superhuman solo performance, merges live video, pre-recorded film, and live theatre in a hybrid-genre ‘cine-theatre’ experience. Collaborating with composer Clemence Williams (Directing, 2016), assistant video director, Benjamin Sheen (Directing, 2016), and video editor, Susie Henderson (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2019), Kip has created a visually and emotionally stunning reimagining of this gothic masterpiece.
At the Old Fitz Theatre, New Ghosts Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Cut Chilli, running from 5 – 27 July. Exploring themes of cultural identity, displacement and ancestry, this scorching new comedy follows Jamie, who was adopted from Sri Lanka and raised in Western Australia. His adoptive mother, Katherine, claims to have saved Jamie from the Sri Lankan civil war, however, Jamie’s world is turned upside down when he meets Zahra, an activist who exposes the murky history of international adoption. Cut Chilli is rich with NIDA talent; directed by David Burrowes (Directing, 2015) with assistance from Ryan Whitworth-Jones (Directing, 2023), the cast includes Ariyan Sharma (Musical Theatre, 2020) and Noel Hodda (Acting, 1980) and features set design by Soham Apte (Design, 2021) and costume design by Rita Naidu (Design, 2021). Inspired by real adoption fraud in Sri Lanka, Cut Chilli is a story of difficult histories and the search for truth and love.
At the State Theatre Company South Australia in Adelaide, the world premiere of The Questions is on stage from 26 July. This rom-com musical stars Charles Wu (Acting, 2014) and Chaya Ocampo (Musical Theatre, 2017) in the lead roles, with Kenneth Moraleda (Acting, 1995) as dramaturg and Jeremy Allen (Design, 2015) as set and costume designer. Follow the hilarious and poignant story of two polar opposites forced into the longest first date ever during a lockdown. Don’t miss this fresh exploration of modern intimacy.
Charles Coy (Production, 2010) and William Jensen’s (Production, 2011) company Sketch Evolution are bringing the Hong Kong Dance Company’s production of Convergence to Sydney. From 2 – 13 July the Everest Theatre at The Seymour Centre will host this production choreographed by Hong Kong Dance Company’s award-winning Artistic Director, Yang Yuntao, who seamlessly blends the movement languages of Martial Arts and Chinese Dance. The production team features several NIDA alumni, including McLane Catterall (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2022), Ethan Hamill (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2022), Angus Nott (Scenic Construction, 2022), and Alex Newman (Live Production and Technical Services, 2022). Behind-the-scenes, they contribute their technical expertise and merge stunning digital art, traditional movement, and contemporary elements to create a visually spectacular experience.
*Header Image: Kris McQuade (Acting, 1971) in Binge’s The Twelve season two. Photo credit, David Dare Parker.
